If you are planning to install vinyl-covered drywall in your next project, then stop, take a breath, and read the blog before coming to a decision. Drywall is a traditional wall paneling solution that was well in use until better alternatives came to the market. Although drywall is a popular wall paneling option, it has limitations that have forced manufacturers to research and design an efficient replacement. Drywall fails to meet the hygiene and safety requirements of commercial spaces and is expensive with the need for frequent repairs and replacements. 

Furthermore, drywalls are also vulnerable to moisture and fire, making them irrelevant for busy commercial spaces. Besides, the installation of vinyl drywall is time-consuming and requires professional help. On the other hand, opting for an alternative like PVC panels can be a game-changing decision for your space. The practicality of PVC panels is hard to achieve with drywall, making PVC panels a reliable and trustworthy alternative to traditional wall panels. Through this blog, we will try to understand the disadvantages of drywall and find the most efficient replacement for them in commercial projects. 

Downsides of drywall in commercial projects

Drywall entered the wall paneling market somewhere around 1894 and replaced the then-popular options like plaster and lath. Around that time, drywall solved the disadvantages that came with plasters and so gained fast popularity in the construction industry. But as already hinted, drywalls were not devoid of downsides. But before we deep dive into the drawbacks of drywalls, let’s know what exactly drywall is. Drywall can also be called plasterboards or gypsum boards and is manufactured by sandwiching gypsum plaster between two thick papers.

Susceptible to water damage: Dywalls have a porous surface that absorbs moisture, resulting in swelling and rotting. By absorbing moisture, drywalls are a hub for dampness and stinkiness. These damp patches evolve as breeding grounds for contaminants and molds. Thus, drywalls are not only susceptible to moisture damage but also thrive bacteria and microbes on their surface, making for an unhygienic paneling solution. 

Prone to damage from impacts: Drywalls are not famous for their durability, so you must be cautious before choosing them for areas with heavy traffic. They can collapse, crack, or peel off with extensive use. Besides, drywalls cannot endure accidental bumps or pushes and can get severely affected by different types of impacts in a commercial setup. 

Time-consuming installation: Drywalls have a time-consuming and complicated installation process. They usually have high labor costs as they need mudding, sanding, painting, and taping seams. Besides, they are heavy and take time to install. 

Cannot be recycled: Another downside of drywalls is that they cannot be recycled. Thus, once the drywalls are damaged, they can only end up in landfills, impacting the environment negatively. 

PVC panels are the ideal alternative for drywalls

Of late, PVC panels have emerged as a dependable solution for commercial and residential projects. These panels are manufactured from virgin vinyl, which makes them resistant to moisture, mold, impacts, and other elements. These panels are extremely durable, long-lasting, and do not rot or mold over time. Here are the impressive features of PVC panels that make them stand out among other paneling solutions and make them the ideal alternative to drywalls.

Resists moisture and mold: PVC panels have a non-porous and crevice-free surface that eliminates the risk of moisture seeping in. These panels remain unaffected even in excessive moisture exposure. Besides, these panels are also mold-resistant as their crevice-free surface does not allow mold and mildew to settle and thrive.  

Lightweight and easy to install: PVC panels can be rightfully called lightweight drywall alternatives. They are lightweight and can be handled by a single person without much effort. They are ½” thick and do not need additional backer boards for installation. PVC panels can be directly installed with studs and fasteners. Further, these panels are interlocked using tongue and groove methods, making the installation simple and time-effective. 

Low maintenance and easy to clean: Unlike drywalls, PVC panels are low-maintenance and also easy to clean. These panels do not need extensive cleaning or scrubbing. All you need is a damp cloth and mild detergent to wipe off the panels for cleaning. Moreover, PVC panels are also stain-resistant.

Durability and longevity: PVC panels are remarkably durable and can endure heavy impacts in high-traffic areas without deteriorating functionality and efficiency. These panels are designed to last and have a shelf life of 100 years. Being durable and moisture-resistant, PVC panels do not require frequent repairs or replacements. 

Hygienic and clean: Another essential feature of PVC panels is that they meet the hygiene and safety standards of the FDA. Being FDA-compliant and ASTM-certified, PVC panels are a hygienic and safe solution for commercial and residential projects. Moreover, they have an antimicrobial coating to eliminate the risk of bacteria and microbes thriving on the surface. 

Cost-effective: PVC panels are a cost-effective and affordable solution. They can save up to 40% on materials and 50% on labor costs compared to drywalls. On the other hand, installing drywall is expensive, and the frequent repair and replacement needs make it all the more expensive in the long run. However, PVC panels being durable eliminates the need for repairs and emerge as affordable drywall alternatives in the paneling industry.

Replace your drywall with Duramax PVC panels 

Duramax is a leading manufacturer and supplier of PVC panels in the USA. Our panels are designed to last and show impressive resistance against moisture and other elements. Furthermore, these panels are exceptionally durable and can endure challenging conditions efficiently. Replace your vinyl drywall with Duramax PVC panels for the best deals. Duramax panels are available at factory-direct prices and have a limited lifetime warranty. Ask for a free sample today!